Arby’s Offers Apology To Florida Police Officer Who Was Refused Service For ‘Being A Cop’
The CEO of Arby’s has apologized after a Florida police officer was refused service at a drive through in Pembroke Pines in Florida.
According to police, the officer was in the Arby’s drive through Tuesday when she was told that she would not be served because she was a cop, WPLG10 TV reports.
Officials of Pembroke Pines, near Miami, are none too pleased with the Arby’s employee, including Mayor Frank C. Ortis, who expressed his displeasure in a Facebook post Tuesday.
“This utmost disrespect for all law enforcement officers has got to stop.”
Pembroke Pines Police Chief Dan Giustino echoed the mayor’s sentiments on the refusal.
“I am offended and appalled that an individual within our community would treat a police officer in such a manner. It is unacceptable, and I will be contacting the Arby’s CEO to demand an apology.”
The chief graciously went on to acknowledge that the incident was isolated and doesn’t necessarily reflect the views of Arby’s.
Sgt Jennifer Martin is the @PPinesPD officer refused service by @Arbys manager because she’s a cop. @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/WmjJaYjUnH
— Keith Jones NBC 6 (@KeithNBC6) September 2, 2015
“We recognize that this is an isolated incident confined to a single individual within our city, and appreciate the outpouring of support we continue to receive from the residents of Pembroke Pines. Our Police Department is truly grateful for the support as we continue moving forward in developing positive relationships with all members of our city.”
Paul Brown, Arby’s chief executive officer, contacted the chief to apologize on behalf of the organization, according to NBC 6.
The station shared a statement from Arby’s.
“We take this isolated matter very seriously as we respect and support police officers in our local communities. As soon as the issue was brought to our attention, our CEO spoke with the Police Chief who expressed his gratitude for our quick action and indicates the case is closed. We will be following up with our team members to be sure that our policy of inclusion is understood and adhered to.”
Arby’s apologizes after denying service to uniformed cop at Pembroke Pines location http://t.co/EvUABJcf9W pic.twitter.com/QOHrhZmVhI
— Eater Miami (@eatermiami) September 2, 2015
Local 10 News reports that Senior Vice President of Operations, Scott Boatwright, assured Giustino that the Arby’s employee’s behavior was “unacceptable and not representative of the company’s values.”
Giustino told Local 10 that the incident was a disappointment.
“We are very proud of the partnerships we have built within our city, and for an incident like this to have happened is very disappointing for everyone.”
Police are asking anyone with information about the incident at Arby’s to contact them at 954-431-2200.
[Image via Twitter / Esquire magazine]
